During the morning session, the UNESCO Honorary and Goodwill Ambassadors present, Ms Mehriban Aliyeva, Ms Claudia Cardinale, Ms Marianna Vardinoyannis, Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, Mr Zurab Tsereteli and Ms Hedva Ser payed tribute to Mr Matsuura.

“Cultural and linguistic diversity, dialogue among civilizations, the world’s tangible and intangible heritage, all living cultural expressions, were top priorities for him towards the building of a more inclusive and sustainable world”, said UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Ms Vardinoyannis.

The Celebration was also an occasion to share information on various projects and activities that the Honorary and Goodwill Ambassadors implemented during Mr Matsuura’s mandate. Ms Mehriban Aliyeva, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, thus recalled the accomplishments undertaken between UNESCO and the Republic of Azerbaijan in the fields of science, education, culture and communication.

“Under your leadership our historical monuments – Baku’s Old City Icherisheher with Shirvanshah Palace and Maiden Tower as well as Gobustan Rock Paintings were inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage. The pearls of our music – Mugham and Ashiq Art - were included into the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, said Ms Aliyeva.

The testimonies were followed in the afternoon by panel discussions and a concert by UNESCO Artist for Peace, Ms Missa Johnouchi.